Lois Cormack on Leading with Purpose in Senior Living

In this episode, we sit down with Lois Cormack, visionary CEO of Spring Living Retirement Communities, whose career in seniors’ living is rooted in compassion, mentorship, and innovation. From her first job as a healthcare aide on a farm in Kennington to steering one of Canada’s fastest-growing senior living organizations, Lois’s story is one of resilience, people-centered leadership, and relentless commitment to building vibrant communities.Lois opens up about the experiences that shaped her values, recognizing the impact of hands-on care, learning from mentors (and less-than-great bosses), and the vital role that community and team empowerment play in long-term success. She shares candid insights into developing a people-first culture at Spring Living, scaling through acquisition while maintaining trust and personal connection, and the unique opportunities of mid-market retirement living for Canada’s aging population.We dive deep into Spring Living’s growth strategy, the importance of fostering leadership at every level, and the ongoing work to make senior care more accessible. Lois shares practical advice for young leaders: seek mentors, stay curious, and embrace diverse perspectives. She also discusses the evolving landscape for senior care: technology, generational change, memory care, affordability, and the future of meaningful work in the sector.Throughout this episode, Lois’s advocacy and optimism stand out. Whether she’s mentoring upcoming leaders, investing in staff development, or advocating for systemic change, Lois is shaping a brighter future for seniors and those who care for them. If you're passionate about building teams, transforming communities, or seeking actionable wisdom on leadership, this episode is for you.00:00 – Introduction & guest welcome02:35 – Lois’s early career and passion for seniors’ living06:30 – Discovering her calling and the influence of mentorship12:00 – Spring Living’s founding and growth strategy14:29 – The importance of mid-market retirement living18:53 – Identifying communities for acquisition and value creation20:56 – Lessons from leading a fast-growing organization24:07 – Building a people-first, team-empowering culture26:33 – Advocacy, mentorship, and promoting within32:30 – Technology and innovation in senior care35:34 – Differences between retirement and long-term care homes37:56 – Amenities and resident engagement at Spring Living39:58 – Essential qualities for leaders in seniors’ care43:47 – Advice for young leaders: mentorship and career clarity47:12 – Final thoughts and encouragement for future senior care professionals49:39 – Outro and closing remarks